Hebrew Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:32-34

Then Samuel said, “Bring Agag king of the Amalekites here to me.” And Agag came to him haltingly. Agag said, “Surely this is the bitterness of death.” But Samuel said, “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother shall be childless among women.” And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the Lordin Gilgal. Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul.

Psalm 23

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I fear no evil;for you are with me;your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;you anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meall the days of my life,and I shall dwell in the house of the Lordmy whole life long.

New Testament Gospel Lesson: John 1:1-9

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

Year A Lent 4 Saturday

Bible verses from The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All right reserved.